2008 All-Star Snubs

So the votes are in and there was a good turnout for voting (12 votes). Now let the controversy begin!

Fausto Carmona, Sardine City. Carmona is the ace of the rejuvenated Sardine City pitching staff. With a 9-3 record and a 3.17 ERA, it's truly puzzling why Carmona couldn't get enough votes to make the All-Star squad, while his statistically inferior teammate, Cole Hamels (5-6, 3.54), squeaked on to the roster.

Jim Thome, Las Vegas. Thome, traded from Marietta to Las Vegas in the offseason, has been a top producer in Vegas' explosive lineup. Thome has bashed 19 homers with 51 runs and 52 RBIs in the first half to go along with a hefty 1.054 OPS. Thome had some stiff competition from Newark's Jack Cust and Hoboken's Miguel Cabrera among the DH candidates. His lack of positional flexibility likely hurt his chances.

Matt Stairs, Newark. With the large anti-Sugar Bear sentiment among voters this year, it's no surprise that one of their players would end up on the short end of the votes. Stairs has a 1.039 OPS, 16 HRs, 82 RBIs, and 37 doubles. Being a career journeyman didn't help his name recognition and going against the much younger, first round selection Carlos Pena was another strike against Stairs.

Dustin Pedroia, Carolina. Pedroia was Carolina's first round pick and has so far earned that lofty status. Too bad he didn't play in the Hanover Division, where he'd be a shoe-in at second. Unfortunately Jeff Kent and Chase Utley proved to be too stiff of a competition for the youngster. Well maybe next year!

David Wright, Arkansas. Wright was slotted at the unenviable DH position on the ballot, pitted against Vancouver's David Ortiz, but still managed to garner a 3B vote from a write-in voter. Unfortunately the fact that Wright played mostly DH this year did him in, as far as making the All-Star team.

Andy Pettitte, Tampa Bay. All that Pettitte's done is go 7-0 in the first half, but that wasn't enough to get the veteran more votes for an All-Star invite. Maybe it's because his other numbers were fairly mediocre (4.04 ERA, 1.40 WHiP) but plenty of worse candidates got more votes.

Jason Isringhausen, Hoboken. Izzy is having another fine season with the Cutters, but his team is mired in a lengthy slump lately. With a 2.33 ERA and 8 saves, Isringhausen has been the anchor of the Cutter bullpen, but his lack of save opportunities made him invisible to many voters.

Francisco Cordero, Philadelphia. Cordero has been overshadowed by teammate J.J. Putz, but Cordero has a good claim to a roster spot as well. The righthander is 6-0 with a miniscule 1.71 ERA in 30 games so far this season while striking out 53 in 42 innings.